“We are delighted that the Met has seen common sense and will not be targeting Notting Hill Carnival with facial recognition again this year.

“However, we are troubled by the force’s plans to dramatically increase use of facial recognition over the next six months.

Public outcry, shocking inaccuracy statistics, and the absence of appropriate legal power have not deterred the Met from forcing this authoritarian surveillance tool on an unsuspecting public. This sets a dangerous precedent. Big Brother Watch will continue to fight against the surveillance of innocent people and to protect the public’s civil liberties.”